Riyan Parag seen vaping in dressing room: Can IPL punish RR captain?
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has found himself in the spotlight again, this time for an off-field moment during his side’s clash against Punjab Kings in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. A clip from the live broadcast, now widely shared on social media, appears to show the RR captain using a vape in the dressing room.
The incident was captured during the 16th over of RR’s chase of 223 in Mullanpur on April 28. Fans quickly picked up on the moment, turning it into a viral talking point online.
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The timing adds to the attention. Parag has already been under scrutiny this season for both his captaincy and his form with the bat, making this another layer to an already closely watched campaign.
WHAT DID RIYAN PARAG DO?
The viral clip shows Parag in the RR dressing room during the second innings, seemingly using a vape while the match was underway. The visuals were picked up during the broadcast and circulated widely across social platforms.
According to the IPL dscipinary rules, smoking is prohibited in dressing rooms and stadium premises, except in designated areas. The clip has raised eyebrows also because e-cigarettes or vapes are banned in India under The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, which prohibits their production, sale, purchase and use, with violations attracting fines and even imprisonment.
While RR went on to secure a six-wicket win and hand PBKS their first defeat of the season, Parag’s own outing was modest. He scored 29 off 16 balls, a brief contribution in a chase that was eventually finished by Donovan Ferreira and Shubham Dubey.
Parag’s overall numbers this season have been underwhelming. In 9 matches, he has scored 117 runs at an average of 14.63 and a strike rate of 124.47, adding to the pressure around his performances as captain.
CAN RIYAN PARAG BE PUNISHED FOR VAPING?
There has been no official confirmation yet from the IPL regarding the clip or any potential breach of conduct. However, the incident has sparked discussions around possible disciplinary action.
The IPL has previously taken a strict view on dressing room conduct. Earlier this season, RR team manager Romi Bhinder was fined after he was seen using a phone in the dugout during a match.
There have also been recent viral clips involving players off the field, including one featuring Kagiso Rabada, which drew attention online. While each case is different, the league has generally acted when rules are found to be breached.
If the clip involving Parag is deemed a violation of IPL’s code of conduct, he could face a fine or further disciplinary action. For now, though, the focus remains on whether the league chooses to take it up officially.
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